The Digital Download vs Retail Thread

[Ampharos King]

Unless you don't mind buying more SD cards, I recommend getting the retail versions. As others have mentioned, the retail versions have a storage space of their own so they do not need to clog up a good portion of the 3DS' memory.

[Archaic]

Barring massive discounts on the retail version, I'll probably go digital this gen. I like the idea of having the game with me all the time, and not having to carry around cases just so I can have multiple games with me. Also, Nintendo and the game developers get greater profits from downloads than they do from retail copies at the exact same price, so it's helping them out too.

...also, I'm not certain, but the Wii U premium offer might apply to these 3DS eShop releases, so I'd be getting credit for them too.

[Raine Caulwell]

Nintendo's DRM and online experience is downright terrible. I will definitely be buying a physical copy of the game so I'm not locked into a single console, I can easily keep my saves, and I don't have to worry about how I'm going to transfer my saves if my 3DS dies...

...now I have to buy a 3DS....

[Pokelova]

As appealing as a downloaded version sounds, I've always been more of a fan of physical things. Last week I bought A Goofy Movie on DVD, despite already having a decent quality copy that I downloaded. It's just... I don't know, it feels more real. It feels more yours.

[Nyx]

I'd much rather get a retail copy. I like having the catridge and the case, plus I'll be able to remove the game anytime instead of having it installed, occupying my 3DS's memory.

[JC The Supreme Tiger]

Honestly, I probably don't care much either way. Whatever's cheaper. If I do download it, I wont have to worry about losing the game, because a console is much harder to lose than a tiny game cartridge.

[Joshawott]

...also, I'm not certain, but the Wii U premium offer might apply to these 3DS eShop releases, so I'd be getting credit for them too.

If so...you have made a compelling argument my friend.

[Serperior]

Both? I'll have my main game in my hands and if I feel like it, I'll download the other version.

I tend to get a tad obsessive over game cases, and instruction booklets, I read them, even if I have been playing the series for years, like Pokémon and Resident Evil :)

[YamiiDenryuu]

Well, I pretty much don't play anything besides Pokemon, so space won't be a concern... I guess I'll just see which is cheaper/more convenient.

[Continent Turtle]

I like being able to hold the game in my hands. It feels mine, I own it, and nothing can stop it, except maybe a nuclear strike or something less drastic.

[Tophat Dragoneye]

Let's face it, we all got the same experience every time we open a case with a physical copy of a Pokémon game and we would love to try it again:

Aside from that, that depends on if I have enough space on my 3DS or not.

[Sir Turtlelot]

Retail, for already mentioned reasons, saving space on the 3DS SD card and because I prefer physical copies over digital copies.

[Ziggy Stardust]

The game data amount will be enormous, I don't think it's practical to make it completely digital.

[chella182]

Retail definitely. I'm a collector by nature, especially when it comes to Pokémon, so yeah. My physical collection will be incomplete if I just get the digital download.

[jokool]

I'd most likely prefer retail, but if they do offer it digital and it's cheaper, sign me up! More money in my pocket!